Where Can I Take It?

Not all items can go into the trash because they may contain hazardous substances that pollute our environment. Here is where you can safely dispose of those items at no cost:

Paint

Leftover paint can be dropped off for free at any local paint store participating in the PaintCare program. PaintCare is an industry sponsored program established to manage the reuse, recycling and proper disposal of unused paint. These sites accept program products (primarily latex and oil based paint) from all residents and certain businesses. For more information and to find nearby San Marcos, Vista, and Escondido locations, go to http://paintcare.org/.

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Televisions, computers, cell phones, printers, and other electronic waste can be dropped off for free at EDCO’s Buyback Center, 224 S. Las Posas Road. These items can also often be brought to large electronics retailers, although some of those retailers may charge a fee depending on the item.

HHW includes a variety of materials that are typically ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic and have labels reading "caution," "warning," "danger," "poison," "toxic," "flammable," or "corrosive." HHW includes items such as paint, household cleaners, pool chemicals, automotive products and pesticides. These wastes must be properly disposed of and cannot be thrown away in household trash or poured down the sink. The City has contracted with two facilities for the proper disposal of these product. Click here for more information about household hazardous waste.

Prescriptions and other expired medications can be dropped off anonymously during weekday business hours in a bin in the lobby of the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station, 182 Santar Place. More information can be found at this link.

Residents may take used tires for recycling to Express Tire, 1223 W. San Marcos Boulevard. There is a $3 charge per tire and they accept up to four tires. Tires are accepted during normal business hours. For more information, please call (760) 471-1733.

Plastic bags

Grocery stores and other retailers offer in-store recycling for plastic bags. The City of San Marcos encourages the use of reusable tote grocery bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that are thrown in the trash.

Bulky items

Large or bulky household items like appliances or furniture can be picked up for by special arrangement. There is a fee charged for this service. To schedule a bulky item pickup, please contact EDCO Waste & Recycling at (760) 744-2700. EDCO residential customers in San Marcos also receive two coupons each year for free disposal of one load of bulky items and other residential waste at the Escondido Transfer Station.